Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down being sold; Carl Acuff Jr. to be new star at theater

Friday, February 21, 2014 ~ Updated 11:54 AM

Lovely County Citizen

Randall and Dawayne George are selling their Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down Music Theater and are set to sign a record contract. Photo by David Bell / Carroll County News.

In early March, Randall and Dawayne George are selling Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down Music Theater to Larry Reitz, who also owns Cinnamon Valley Resort, located next door to the theater.

The George Brothers are expected to sign a record contract with Way Out West Records to begin the next phase of their musical careers.

Whether you know them as the George Brothers or "P. Nutt" and "Ponytail," most people know that Randall and Dawayne have been a big part of the Eureka Springs business community since the early 1990s, playing music and setting the bar high when it comes to quality entertainment at the Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down Music Theater.

"The Hoe-Down has been our home for a lot of years now," said Randall. "It's allowed us to earn a living doing what we love, while keeping food on the table for our families. We've raised our kids here, and it's just been a huge part of our lives."

The brothers performed at the theater for over 10 years before purchasing it in 2001. During that time, they saw over a million tourists come through the Hoe-Down doors and they played with many artists who have gone on to be part of major recording acts including Boston and Rascal Flatts.

The Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down will continue as a music theater without the brothers there, although they may make scheduled appearances from time to time. Reitz will continue the long-standing reputation of quality family music shows in the theater by bringing in country artist Carl Acuff, Jr. to perform the 2014 schedule.

Since 1992, the Carl Acuff Jr. Variety Showband has been known for its performances incorporating great costuming, music and comedy. The band performances include new and old country, gospel, comedy, nostalgic rock 'n' roll, Motown, do-wop, disco, audience participation, impersonations and salutes to veterans and active members of the military.

In addition to their work at the theater, the George Brothers have been performing on the road for the past three years. In 2011, they released their debut album "Brothers, Friends, and Outlaws Forever," which produced two radio singles that were well-received by Texas/Red Dirt country music scene. They are now in the process of writing and recording a sophomore album.

As they move forward with these plans, Way Out West Records will release the duo's next single to radio this spring, with the album to follow.

"We're going to miss the theater and Eureka Springs, but we're really excited about new opportunities on the horizon as we move forward with the next phase of our music careers," Randall said.

The brothers have also inked an artist development deal with the Clif Doyal Agency for management, booking and publicity services. The agency has been instrumental in the careers of country artists Toby Keith, Little Texas, Lonestar, The Roys, Shawna Russell and LiveWire, among others. Both Way Out West and CDA are helmed by music industry veteran, Clif Doyal, and maintain offices in Nashville and Oklahoma.

"The George Brothers are extremely talented, and we are excited to represent them as they take this bold step forward," Doyal said.

The brothers have been performing since childhood, starting out with their parents' gospel group, the Glory Road Singers, when they were both small boys.

"Music is all they know. It's all they've ever done," said their dad, Leonard George.

The brothers and their father wish to personally thank everyone for their support over the years and for allowing them to call Eureka Springs home for the past 20 years.

"We will continue to need your support as we move forward with the George Brothers," Dawayne said. "We can't do this without our friends behind us."

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I wish the George Brothers the very best of luck on there new journey. ..Although we love them in N.W.Ark. it would not be fair not to share their wonderful music talent and great personality with everyone else to enjoy as much as we do ...Good luck George Brothers I know you will be enjoyed by everyone that loves good music. .can't wait to get your new C.D....love you guys ..Karen Hamilton a true fan forever ..